Trump says Iran conflict could end soon, but US forces remain ready

Donald Trump said the war in Iran could end “fairly soon” and that further US military action did not currently appear necessary. He said US forces remained ready to act, while claiming Israel and Gulf allies were protected from Iranian threats.

His remarks followed talks with Qatar’s prime minister, who has urged the US not to restart the fighting. The conflict has lasted nearly nine months, and Trump has repeatedly suggested a peace deal was close; US troop movements and speculation about military action after the midterm elections had raised concerns about escalation. Trump also said Gulf leaders favoured maintaining the current naval blockade and reiterated that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapon.